Cutworm Pest
Agrotis ipsilon
Basic Details
Description
Taxonomy
Features
Translations
Basic Details
NameCutworm Pest
DescriptionCutworms are plump, C-shaped caterpillars that cut down seedlings at night. Learn to identify these destructive pests and protect your young plants effectively.
TypeInsect
FamilyNoctuidae
GenusAgrotis
TribeNoctuini
Taxonomy & Features
PhylumArthropoda
SubphylumHexapoda
ClassInsecta
OrderLepidoptera
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Features
- Named 'cutworm' because they cut down young plants by chewing through stems at or just below soil level, causing plants to topple over
- Smooth-skinned caterpillars that curl into C-shape when disturbed. Colors range from grey, brown, black, to tan. Have greasy appearance. Dull, not shiny
- Feed at night on stems at soil level. Cut through seedling stems causing plants to fall over. Hide in soil during day. Some species climb plants to feed on leaves
- Seedlings are cut off at ground level and topple over. Plants appear healthy but are severed at base. Most damage occurs to young transplants and seedlings
- Adults are night-flying moths. Lay eggs in soil or on plants. Caterpillars feed for 3-5 weeks before pupating in soil. Multiple generations per year
- Grow to 3-5 cm (1.5-2 inches) long. Plump and smooth with few hairs. Curl into tight C-shape when touched
- Most active in spring and early summer. Feed at night, hide in soil during day. Prefer cool, moist conditions
- Attack nearly all vegetable seedlings including tomatoes, peppers, beans, corn, cabbage, lettuce, and many flowers. Particularly damaging to transplants
- Prevent by using cutworm collars around seedlings, removing weeds and debris, tilling soil before planting, and delaying planting until soil warms. Keep garden clean
- Natural predators include ground beetles, birds, and parasitic wasps. Handpick at night with flashlight. Treat with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), spinosad, or beneficial nematodes
Names in Different Languages
Latin / ScientificAgrotis ipsilon
English (Alternate)Black CutWorm, Greasy CutWorm, Turnip Moth, Army CutWorm, Pale Western CutWorm, Variegated CutWorm, Glassy CutWorm
Hindiकटुआँ (katuan), कतरा कीट (katra keet)
Tamilವೆಟ್ಟುಪ್ಪುಳು (Vettuppuzhu), ಇಲೈಪ್ಪುಳು (Ilaippuzhu)
Teluguಪೊಗಾಕು ಲದ್ದೆ ಪುರುಗು (Pogaku ladde purugu), ಕತ್ತೆರ ಪುರುಗು (Kattera purugu)
Malayalamಕುಟ್ಟವಿರ (kuttaviram)
Kannadaಗಿಡ ಕತ್ತರಿಸುವ ಹುಳು (Giḍa kattarisuvudhu huḷu)
Sanskritಕೃಮಿ (kṛmi), ಕೀಟ (kīṭa)
Bengaliಶೂಯಾಪೋಕ (shuyapoka), ಧಸ ಪೋಕ (dhosha poka), ಖೇತೆರ್ ಕೀಟ್ (field pest)
Frenchver gris
Russianಒಜಿಮಿ ಚೆರ್ವ್ (ozimyy cherv'), ಗುಸೆನಿಟ್ಸಾ ಒಜಿಮೊಯ್ ಸೊವ್ಕಿ (gusenitsa ozimoy sovki)
Spanishgusano cortador, gusanos cortadores, oruga cortadora, orugas cortadoras
GermanErdraupe
